Olympic marathon runner dies after ex-boyfriend ‘set her on fire in horror petrol attack’ after sneaking into her home
OLYMPIC marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has died after she was allegedly set on fire in a brutal petrol attack by her boyfriend.
The Ugandan athlete, 33, suffered horror burns over 75 per cent of her body after her ex-partner snuck into her home to ambush her, local media reported.
Cheptegei spent days in critical condition receiving medical care at an ICU in the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city, western Kenya.
African radio station Radio 4 Ensunsuzi tweeted on Thursday: “Rebecca Cheptegei, the Ugandan Olympic athlete who was set on fire by her Kenyan boyfriend has died.”
Shortly after the Ugandan Athletics Federation posted: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence.
“As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace.”
Local police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom said on Tuesday that Cheptegei’s ex-boyfriend poured petrol on her and set her alight during an argument on Sunday.
He reportedly entered her home while she and her two children were at church.
As he allegedly set her alight using a matchstick he was also engulfed by the flames and rushed to hospital, Nation Africa reports.
Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, told Kenyan newspaper The Star that his daughter’s two children are not fathered by the alleged attacker.
The athlete was helped by neighbours after the horrific incident in her town of Endebess.
People on X paid tribute to the athlete, writing “RIP” and “May her soul rest in peace”.
Official Kosiom said: “The [ex]couple were heard quarrelling outside their house.
“During the altercation, the [ex]boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her.”
A police investigation has been launched.
Cheptegei – from a region across the border in Uganda – reportedly bought a piece of land in Trans Nzoia County and built a house to be closer to Kenya’s athletic training facilities.
A local administrator report said the ex-pair were locked in a dispute over the plot.
Cheptegei’s father spoke from hospital with his other daughter and told local media that Cheptegei and her ex were fighting over her land shortly before the alleged attack happened.
The pro runner finished 44th in the marathon at Paris 2024 Olympics.
How you can get help
Women's Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
- Always keep your phone nearby.
- Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
- If you are in danger, call 999.
- Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
- Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
- If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.
Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.